As expected, the Obama campaign has kicked into high gear today with the filing of papers to formally launch the president’s 2012 re-election bid.

This allows the president to crack up the fundraising, which some observers believe could reach $1 billion. Obama raised a record $745 million in his 2008 run.

Fresh off a visit last week to NYC where he raked in a cool $1.5 million for the DNC, the president is due back in Harlem Wednesday is mark the 20th anniversary of the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network.

A reader who’s part of the vast Obama grassroots network forwarded the following message and video that he received shortly after 6 a.m., in which the president writes:

“We’re doing this now because the politics we believe in does not start with expensive TV ads or extravaganzas, but with you – with people organizing block-by-block, talking to neighbors, co-workers, and friends. And that kind of campaign takes time to build.”

“So even though I’m focused on the job you elected me to do, and the race may not reach full speed for a year or more, the work of laying the foundation for our campaign must start today.”

“We’ve always known that lasting change wouldn’t come quickly or easily. It never does. But as my administration and folks across the country fight to protect the progress we’ve made – and make more – we also need to begin mobilizing for 2012, long before the time comes for me to begin campaigning in earnest.”

“As we take this step, I’d like to share a video that features some folks like you who are helping to lead the way on this journey.”

UPDATE: The second half of the president’s email message appears after the jump.

“In the coming days, supporters like you will begin forging a new organization that we’ll build together in cities and towns across the country,” Obama continued.

“And I’ll need you to help shape our plan as we create a campaign that’s farther reaching, more focused, and more innovative than anything we’ve built before.”

“We’ll start by doing something unprecedented: coordinating millions of one-on-one conversations between supporters across every single state, reconnecting old friends, inspiring new ones to join the cause, and readying ourselves for next year’s fight.”

“This will be my final campaign, at least as a candidate. But the cause of making a lasting difference for our families, our communities, and our country has never been about one person. And it will succeed only if we work together.”

“There will be much more to come as the race unfolds. Today, simply let us know you’re in to help us begin, and then spread the word.”

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